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Students raced to their vehicles, ready for the winter break.

"Hey, Angie! We need some help in here."

" 'Kay, I'll be there in a second." I wrapped my coat closer to my body and turned to enter the school, snow brushing my cheeks.

This year would be the first year I didn't go home for Christmas. After Tony announced to the world that he was Iron Man, nothing has been the same. He's changed, and so have I. My visions were getting stronger and I was afraid to see them happen with my own eyes.

"Why aren't you going home this year?"

"It's complicated." I replied, continuing to roll the cookie dough.

Storm and Jean looked at me confused. "What do you mean?"

"After everything that's happened this year, I need a break. Plus, I really haven't seen you guys that much."

Both women looked at each other. "Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes in reply. "This better not be like when you stayed here because you and Warren started dating." They saw my expression when I heard is name and gave me apologetic looks. "We didn't mean to-"

"Ooo, cookies! Don't mind if I do." I reached out and smacked Bobby's hand. "Owwww!" He cradled it.

"These are for later, Ice-Boy."

"But…." he whined.

"Kid," Logan said, walking in behind him. "You should get out of here before the kitchen knives come out." Bobby nodded and ran out with lightning speed.

Our eyes narrowed at Logan. "You're not getting one either."

"Nice try, bub!" I shouted as Storm shooed Logan out the door. "Anyways….First, It's okay, and two, it's not like that. After Tony….you know what, things have been tough."

"Not the first time it's happened," Jean replied. "You'll get through it."

"I'm not so sure anymore…." I set the roller to the side and leaned against the counter. "We haven't spoken in a month."

The women looked at me with sad eyes and set their items to the side. "Code Blue?"

"What happened with Hank this time?" I said, confused.

Jean shook her head. "Sorry, Code Green."

I nodded. "Yeah, Code Green."

"Alright," she replied, bringing a hand to her temple. "Rogue and a couple other girls are coming down to finish up. We have all night."

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"Code Green?"

I gave Jean a weird look. "What's that?"

"When we're feeling sad, we each grab a gallon of ice cream and watch chick-flicks all night long."

Storm nodded. "Yeah, but the movie selection is based on who's sad. Most of the time it's been chick-flicks."

"Okay….but one question:" I replied. "Why Code Green?"

"Because Code Blue's already taken. And most of the time it's till we can see Jean's green eyes again."

"Alright, then," I said, pulling out a gallon of Rocky Road. "Code Green."

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Half-way through our cartons, I broke through the sound of our movie.

"It's not just Tony…." My friends turned to me, Jean sending an 'I know' to me.

Dammit, Jean...I sent back to her. Every time….

Sorry, but at least you talk….

"Anyways," I continued with a glare. "It's not just him. I've been….off….ever since Warren came that day."

"I thought you were over it," Storm said.

I shrugged. "I am. I just….I don't know. Maybe I'm not." I dug at the frozen concoction. "It makes it hard when anytime something hits my back or I do something just enough to cause pain."

"What?" they exclaimed. Jean took my carton away from me. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"It's not a big deal, Jean," I replied. "I'm fine. Now, give me back my ice cream or I will end you."

"No, you won't."

I raised a brow. "Try me."

Handing the carton back, she shook her head. "Remember I trained you."

"Time for the student to become the teacher," I challenged, staring her down and prying into her mind.

She pushed back, and we continued to battle for dominance. After a while, she pushed back again hard, forcing me to relive that day. I tried to shake the memory from my mind and blink it away.

~:~

Smoke filled the air as Apocalypse rose up.

"You are very brave, Occulus," he growled as I staggered to my feet. "But even for someone who can see the future, oh how foolish you are."

"Can't blame someone for fighting for love."

He laughed. "That makes you even more foolish." He motioned for one of the horsemen.

As he took off his helmet, I saw his emotionless expression.

"Warren…..It's me, Angie." He remained motionless. "Come on, I know you can hear me."

"You see, he isn't the Warren you know anymore," Apocalypse cackled. "He is Death, as he will bring it upon you all."

Warren punched me in the face, bringing me to the ground. He raised his fist to strike again.

I held my hand up, "Wait!"

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"Okay…..Stop!" I shouted, panting. "I'm turning in for the night." I stood up and turned to leave.

"Angie, I…."

I held up a hand to reassure her. "It's okay, I just need to sleep on it. I'll be fine in the morning."

It's okay to not be…. She replied.

I know…. I said giving her a small smile. Just can you do me a favor and stay out of my head for a while…..

She nodded. "Sure. See you in the morning?"

"Yeah…." I replied.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright?" Storm asked.

I'll be fine, Ro…. I smiled. Just give me some time…..

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CHRISTMAS DAY

The kids woke up eager to open their presents.

"Hurry, Miss J!"

"Slow down, Ruthie." I chuckled as I led the young girl to the den. "I don't want you to trip."

"I'll be fine!"

When we finally got down their stairs, Rogue took her from me and led Ruth to her presents.

"Funny isn't it?"

I turned around, seeing Scott. "Who? Ruth?"

He motioned over to the girl. "She's always so excited for each day, even in this world we live in."

"Sometimes, it's better to live like that most of the world is cupcakes and rainbows." I could tell that Scott was glaring at me through his ruby shades.

"Maybe that's true, Angie; but we both know that's not the whole truth," He replied, walking away.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Ignore him. You know how he is," Jean said.

"He's right, you know."

She shook her head. "Maybe. But you're right, too. If this world learns to accept us, I hope these kids can learn to see the good in it."

"What if it doesn't?"

Jean wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "That these kids will still see the good in it."

I hugged her, wiping some of my stray tears. "This is why I like you better than Scott."

"I know," she laughed, linking her arm with mine and leading me towards the festivities.

"Are you okay? After…."

"Jean," I said cutting her off. "It's okay. You did what you needed to do." I titled my head to the side, and crossed my arms. "Maybe it was a little too rough, but you got through to me. Things with Warren aren't as great as I thought they were. And I-"

My phone buzzed and I pulled it out of my pocket. As I read the message, I smiled to myself.

Merry Christmas, kiddo. I love you.

I love you, too….

"Tony?"

"Yeah…." I smiled. "Anyways, I-"

I know…."We're here to help. No need to ask."

I shook my head. "You could let me tell you something for once without reading my mind." I said shaking my finger at her.

"You were-"

"Projecting to much? Yeah, I know," I huffed. "I'm working on it."

Marcos started running towards us. "I got an Xbox!"

"That's great buddy. You get anything else?"

Before he could answer, one of his friends called for him and he ran off to show them his present.

"Another time?" she asked, earning a nod in reply.

"Yeah, another time…."

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